Wow I just now heard this. Which is a little intriguing being that I actually ran into a handful of Nashville players Saturday night at the Saddle Ranch. Jobbing.com Arena is in a little area of Glendale called Westgate. I actually live in a condo in Westgate. This little area has tons of bars, sushi, movie theatres,you name it. There are two huge bars just prior to the entrance to the arena. One is an irish themed bar, called McFaddens, the other is a little more country themed, with a mechanical bull. That one is called Saddle Ranch.

So this short little smug ******* walks up to the bartender, whom I know personally. This guy is sporting the Nashville mohawk, and cheesy beige blazer. Totally stood out, I mean it is around 90 degrees already last Saturday. He got his drink, and as he passed by me, I asked him, "hey man, you play for the Predators?" He was like "no, I am just a big fan". He walks off. I ask the bartender, "hey what was that guys name?", she was like Chad or something. I said where was his ID from, cause I watched her card him. She said she didn't know what NB stood for, she said she thought it was Canadian, and his birth year was 89. I looked him up on my phone. It was a guy named Chet Pickard. I think hes like the third string goaltender. He had 3 other guys with him, I only recognized Hornqvist. The other two were certainly not Radulov and Kostitsyn. So being that I am working on a decent buzz, I go over to their table, and ask them what they were doing. I told them I was from Detroit, and how I felt about Shea Weber being a *****! Haha. They kind of fessed up. They said they were staying in Scottsdale. I am like wow, that's about 48 miles one way around Loop 101, (the local freeway) It was around 10-1030 I think, when talking to them. They left shortly there after. I remember thinking, these guys are playing tomorrow, an actual playoff game. Why are they here? There is a ton of stuff to do in Scottsdale, why come all the way across the valley, which is the greater Phoenix area.

No surprises here. Year before last, I went into the same bar, and noticed Ozzie having a few before the following days game. I remember being wtf, is he doing here.

yes,some nhl players do stay in their hotel room while on the road,i have read in a article that when penguins are on a road trip,sidney crosby does not leave his hotel room

Depends on their personalities, I guess. I know plenty of guys who would go out and party til 4 even if they had to get up at 5. And I know plenty of guys who would chill and watch a movie on TV 90% of the time to rest up for the game.

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I'm really surprised that the Predators are doing this, given they're two of their more talented offensive players. It sounds like something that happens in college sports, but not a professional league let alone in the postseason. I'm inclined to think there's more to this story than two guys out partying too late, but who knows.

If nothing else, it's a bold way for the Predators to make a point that nobody's bigger than the team. Whether the team responds... well, it'll be interesting to see how this shakes down.

Does anybody actually think NHL players stay in their hotel rooms and read the Bible every night on the road?

I agree, I like to have a beer or 10 after a day of work so why can't these guys..as long as they keep it classy I don't see what the big deal is. I've seen lots of players in the Roxy in Vancouver after a game...no biggie.

I don't want to defend Radulov because he's obviously a selfish tool but the shorter the leash you give these guys and the more you treat them like babies it seems the worse it almost makes it. When was the last time we had an issue like this? I can't even think of one.

I agree, I like to have a beer or 10 after a day of work so why can't these guys..as long as they keep it classy I don't see what the big deal is. I've seen lots of players in the Roxy in Vancouver after a game...no biggie.

I don't want to defend Radulov because he's obviously a selfish tool but the shorter the leash you give these guys and the more you treat them like babies it seems the worse it almost makes it. When was the last time we had an issue like this? I can't even think of one.

Well the guys are usually there in between days going to a different city. and plus this is playoff time way more serious than the regular season

As far as I know the specifics, other than curfew, have not been released by the Preds. If you read the quotes that Poile gave to the press it sounds like there is a lot more to it than just curfew. Regardless, the way Radulov and Kostitsyn had been playing it serves the Preds better to sit them down. Halischuk and Tootoo will bring energy to their team tonight and it's possible that being made to look like idiots and missing a playoff game may actually like a fire under Radulov and Kostitsyn's asses.

Also, I dont think many people have a problem with players going out and partying and doing all the things we all like to do. The issue is more keeping it in moderation. There are a lot of companies who would dislike it if you were on a corporate business trip and you were out partying until 4 or 5 in the morning and your performance is down. Everything in moderation

Preds mgmt did the right thing. Wings mgmt should have done the same when Proby, Klima et al got plastered at Goose Loonie's the night before a playoff game in Edmonton. Players cannot put their own desire for fun above the team, especially in the playoffs.

Well the guys are usually there in between days going to a different city. and plus this is playoff time way more serious than the regular season

Of course it is .and a lot more stressful...a guy can't have a couple of beers with his buddies? I'm not talking about going out and getting floor licking s***tered and banging hookers and snorting rails but having a couple isn't a big deal. Note to self : I'm starting to sound like a drunk lol

Of course it is .and a lot more stressful...a guy can't have a couple of beers with his buddies? I'm not talking about going out and getting floor licking s***tered and banging hookers and snorting rails but having a couple isn't a big deal. Note to self : I'm starting to sound like a drunk lol

I think a guy should be able to have a couple, but also at the end of the day they're responsable for theemselves and making sure they get back before curfew